On October 9, 1852, Thomas Robinson Allan, who later established the Allan Library, visited the Wesleyan Sanctuary in Windsor Road, Brighton, where Fire up. Peter Cooper talked from the prayer of Jabez (I Chron. iv. 10) and recounted the primary refrain of this melody.
‘Is it true or not that i was directed to this area tonight to receive an answer to a petition that had for quite some time involved prayer, and which I had particularly and earnestly argued this morning?
I accept it was thus, in spite of the way that it was joined by a delicate, upbraiding look from my adorable Master when the minister expressed, Perhaps you engaged in the business without consulting God by any means.
However it was not to me when I entered the region, it came emphatically to mind towards the finish of the assistance that the Master had benevolently condescended to give me a token that He had heard my prayer.
What’s more, assuming the response has an impact in either way, I pass on to His insight and love.’
LYRICS
Jesus, my Strength, my Hope,
On Thee I cast my care,
With humble confidence look up,
And know Thou hear’st my prayer.
Give me on Thee to wait
Till I can all things do;
On Thee, almighty to create,
Almighty to renew.
I want a sober mind,
A self-renouncing will,
That tramples down and casts behind
The baits of pleasing ill;
A soul inured to pain,
To hardship, grief, and loss,
Bold to take up, firm to sustain
The consecrated cross.
I want a godly fear,
A quick discerning eye
That looks to Thee when sin is near
And sees the tempter fly;
A spirit still prepared
And armed with jealous care,
Forever standing on its guard
And watching unto prayer.